Class of 2005
Marcia
Holmes, finance director for Gurecky Manufacturing Service,
"Being a part of the Leadership Class of 2005 meant more to
me than I could have imagined. It really was, in a
sense, a life-changing experience... I was stretched, made
to think "outside the box", and my eyes were opened... I
truly am proud to be a member of this community. I
really looked forward to each month’s session... they were
all very interesting, informative and I learned a great deal
about our dynamic community, including its infrastructure,
government and its business leaders. Our class was an
exceptional group... it was amazing how we all bonded and
life-long friendships were formed. I was a little sad when
our year ended, but at the same time, look forward to
whatever opportunities may arise to be a leader in this
wonderful community!"
Lee
Duggan, president of Houston Fence Company, reflects,
"When I was first asked to participate in Leadership '
05, I have to admit I was less than thrilled by the thought
of having to give up one day each month out of my busy
schedule. I was having a hard time seeing the value of
losing my productive time for this endeavor. The
amount of time required for the opening retreat really
concerned me, as it was to be an overnight trip on a Friday
and Saturday. Well, I was wrong, wrong, wrong!
The opening retreat was great fun - I made a whole new group
of friends, and renewed some old friendships. The
monthly sessions have been very educational and I have found
that I look forward to them every month. Leadership '
05 has definitely not been a waste of my time. Our
community is worth the time to get involved!"
Tom
Shirley, president, NewFirst Bank, Class of 2005. "Leadership
Fort Bend is an excellent program to introduce future
community leaders to our county. In less than one year, each
member of leadership is introduced to government, education,
infrastructure, history and much more of our county's
operations. This experience is invaluable to anyone wishing
to succeed in our business community."
Class
of 2006
David Showalter, Showalter Law Firm, Class of 2006.
"Leadership helped acquaint me with current and future
leaders and decision makers in the Fort Bend County area and
enhanced my understanding of government, education and
healthcare components of our community. The
participants were provided opportunities to enhance
communication skills with each other and with community
leaders."
Kim
Icenhower, Icenhower Consulting, Class of 2006. "By
far one of the best experiences I've ever had. There's
a lasting bond with this group. It's very powerful!"
Tracey
Shaw, Vice President Marketing & Development for OakBend
Medical Center, Class of 2006 stated, "I signed up for
Leadership because I thought I could further enhance my
skills, learn more about Fort Bend County and develop some
great relationships with others in the program."
Pam
Sullivan, New First National Bank, Class of 2006. "Great
experience! Great way to build relationships, both
personal and business. I'm glad I did it!"
Carl Burch, NRG Texas, Class of 2006. "New
friends, great community educational experience, fun!"
Class of 2007
Gary
Janssen, Attorney at Law, Class of 2007. "There is
no better way to establish business relationships and
interact with community & business leaders than attending
the Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class."
Rocky
Simon, Capitol One Bank, NA, Class of 2007. "When
I was first approached to participate in the Leadership
class I was quite apprehensive. It was a big time
commitment for me to give up one day a month. What
program could the Chamber share with me each month that
would keep my interest for the most part of a year? I
have never experienced such an interesting and diverse
program. Each session was better than the last.
The knowledge, the places we visited, the people we met and
our group interaction was great. I highly recommend
this program to anyone who wishes to gain a better
understanding of the make up of Fort Bend County."
David
Lyons, Publisher, Fort Bend Herald, Class of 2007. "Being
new to the community, I signed up for Leadership 2007 to
make business contacts. It has certainly been a great
conduit for meeting movers and shakers in the
community...but it has been so much more than that! In
the course of my business, I have had numerous occasions
during my Leadership tenure that I have needed to call on
one of my classmates, or one of the community leaders we
have met during our monthly classes, and these connections
have proved invaluable. In fact, I don't know what I would
have done without them. Perhaps more importantly,
though, are the friendships I have developed. I look
forward to my Leadership class each month, and I'm actually
dreading graduation when I won't be able to spend a day a
month with these good friends."